Floor Statements
Statement in Recognition of New York County Layers' Association Centennial
Washington, DC,
April 28, 2008
Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the New York County Lawyers' Association (NYCLA) which is celebrating 100 years of hard work and dedication in providing services to the legal profession and the public of New York City.
The New York County Lawyers' Association was founded one hundred years ago for the purpose of combating systemic exclusion of lawyers from bar membership on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity and sex. In the past century, the Association has grown to 10,000 members, earning national prestige for its commitment to promoting the public interest. The NYCLA has continuously pursued the administration of justice through reforms in the law, by elevating standards of integrity and professionalism in the legal field, and by providing free legal services for those in need. Over its long history, the NYCLA has sponsored countless initiatives that have contributed to the improvement of New York's justice system. The Association has played a major role in the reduction of court congestion, the rehabilitation of delinquent children, the implementation of anti-discriminatory provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, and the attainment of higher compensation for attorneys representing the indigent. NYCLA has also issued many highly influential reports and resolutions to call attention to shortages of our legal system. These include calling for measures to reduce false confessions in criminal trials, ensuring right to counsel for residential tenants in Housing Court who cannot afford representation, and securing just compensation for judges. The Association further offers a variety of meaningful Pro Bono Projects that provide counseling and representation to the low-income, indigent and other persons in need. Included among these are projects that provide assistance to lay guardians with low assets, basic estate-planning documents to low-income persons, and counseling in the areas of family, employment, consumer bankruptcy and landlord/tenant law. Consistently, the Association has worked to meet the changing needs of legal practice in the 21st century. The Association's highly acclaimed Continuing Legal Education Institute offers attorneys a variety of educational programs. NYCLA also facilitates public awareness and education on a wide array of issues through its forums and lecture series. Today I rise to recognize and congratulate The New York County Lawyers' Association for 100 years of outstanding and dedicated service to the people of New York and for its groundbreaking work in furthering the administration of justice. |